Revelation 22:17

KJV

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the Spirit {G4151} and {G2532} the bride {G3565} say {G3004}, Come {G2064}. And {G2532} let him that heareth {G191} say {G2036}, Come {G2064}. And {G2532} let him that is athirst {G1372} come {G2064}. And {G2532} whosoever will {G2309}, let him take {G2983} the water {G5204} of life {G2222} freely {G1432}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come!’ Let anyone who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let anyone who is thirsty come — let anyone who wishes, take the water of life free of charge.”

Berean Standard Bible

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Let the one who hears say, “Come!” And let the one who is thirsty come, and the one who desires the water of life drink freely.

American Standard Version

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And he that heareth, let him say, Come. And he that is athirst, let him come: he that will, let him take the water of life freely.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 22:17 delivers a profound and climactic invitation at the close of Scripture, echoing the Spirit's and the Church's fervent longing for Christ's return and for all humanity to embrace the free gift of eternal life. This verse extends a universal call to anyone who is spiritually thirsty and willing, urging them to partake of the life-giving water offered without cost, thereby encapsulating the Gospel's inclusive grace and the ultimate hope of salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 22:17 is strategically placed as one of the Bible's final appeals, immediately following a glorious description of the New Jerusalem, the river of the water of life, and the tree of life (cf. [Revelation 22:1-5](/revelation/22-1-5 "Revelation 22:1-5 - The New Jerusalem and the River of Life")). It precedes the final warnings and blessings of the book, including Jesus' own declaration of His imminent return (cf. [Revelation 22:7](/revelation/22-7 "Revelation 22:7 - Jesus' Promise to Return"), [Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Jesus' Reward and Coming"), [Revelation 22:20](/revelation/22-20 "Revelation 22:20 - Maranatha")). This positioning amplifies its urgency and significance, acting as a final, open-ended invitation before the book's concluding benediction, drawing the reader into the narrative's ultimate purpose: salvation and eternal communion with God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Revelation was written by John during a period of intense persecution for early Christians under the Roman Empire, likely during the reign of Emperor Domitian. The audience, facing immense pressure to conform to imperial cult worship, would have found profound encouragement and hope in the visions of God's ultimate triumph and the promise of a new heaven and new earth. The imagery of "water of life" would resonate deeply with a people living in a largely arid region, where water symbolized sustenance, purity, and life itself. The concept of a "bride" for the Lamb (Christ) was a familiar Old Testament metaphor for Israel and later for the Church, signifying a covenantal relationship of intimacy and faithfulness, particularly relevant in a world where fidelity to Christ was often met with severe consequences.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes of Revelation and the entire biblical narrative. It highlights the **sovereignty of God** in offering salvation, the **active role of the Holy Spirit** in extending the invitation, and the **identity and mission of the Church** as the "bride" longing for her Groom and inviting others to join. The theme of **spiritual thirst** is central, portraying humanity's innate longing for meaning and fulfillment, which can only be satisfied by God's provision. Most significantly, it underscores the **free gift of grace**, emphasizing that salvation is not earned but freely received, echoing the core Gospel message found throughout Scripture, from the initial promise of redemption in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium") to the climactic fulfillment in Christ's atoning work (cf. [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Gift of God is Eternal Life")). The repeated call to "Come" also reinforces the **imminent return of Christ** and the urgency of responding to the divine invitation before the consummation of all things.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Come (Greek, _érchomai'_):** From G2064, this primary verb signifies "to come or go" in a variety of applications, both literal and figurative. In Revelation 22:17, its repeated use functions as an urgent, open invitation, not merely a physical movement but a spiritual turning and embracing. It reflects the deep longing of the Spirit and the bride for the Lord's return, and simultaneously, their passionate desire for individuals to draw near to God and receive salvation. It is an active call for participation in the divine offer.
* **Athirst (Greek, _dipsáō'_):** Derived from G1372, this word means "to thirst for," literally or figuratively. It vividly portrays the human condition of spiritual longing, a deep-seated need for satisfaction that worldly pursuits cannot fulfill. This thirst is not merely a physical craving but a profound spiritual emptiness, an innate yearning for God, truth, and eternal life. The invitation is specifically extended to those who recognize and feel this spiritual need.
* **Freely (Greek, _dōreán'_):** From G1432, this adverb means "gratuitously," "without a cause," or "for naught." Its inclusion here is paramount, emphasizing the unmerited nature of the "water of life." It underscores that salvation and eternal life are not earned through human effort, merit, or payment, but are a pure gift of God's boundless grace. This word highlights the radical generosity of God's offer, making it accessible to all who are willing to receive it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come."**: This opening clause presents a unified, divine-human invitation. The "Spirit" refers to the Holy Spirit, who convicts, regenerates, and empowers (cf. [John 16:8](/john/16-8 "John 16:8 - The Spirit Convicts the World")). The "bride" is the Church, Christ's redeemed people, eagerly awaiting His return (cf. [Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem, the Bride")). Their joint cry of "Come" is both an earnest plea for Christ's return (Maranatha!) and a fervent evangelistic appeal to the world to accept salvation.
* **"And let him that heareth say, Come."**: This clause extends the invitation's reach, making it a participatory call. Those who have heard the Gospel and embraced it are now commissioned to echo the invitation. It emphasizes the Church's responsibility to bear witness and share the good news, acting as God's messengers in the world, propagating the call to salvation.
* **"And let him that is athirst come."**: This segment targets the recipient of the invitation, specifically those who recognize their spiritual need. "Athirst" speaks to humanity's inherent spiritual emptiness and longing for something more than what the world offers. It is an invitation to those who feel a deep spiritual void, promising ultimate satisfaction in God.
* **"And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."**: This final clause broadens the invitation to universal inclusivity and clarifies the nature of the gift. "Whosoever will" highlights the element of human volition and choice in responding to God's grace. The "water of life" is a profound metaphor for eternal life, spiritual refreshment, and the Holy Spirit Himself, all offered "freely" (without cost or merit) by God. It signifies that the greatest gift, salvation, is available to anyone who simply chooses to receive it.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 22:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and gracious message. **Personification** is evident in "the Spirit and the bride say, Come," attributing speech to both the Holy Spirit and the Church, emphasizing their active and unified role in extending the divine invitation. The pervasive use of **Repetition** of the word "Come" (Greek: _érchomai_) creates a powerful, rhythmic, and insistent appeal, underscoring the urgency and sincerity of the invitation. This repetition also serves to reinforce the accessibility and universality of the call. Furthermore, the phrase "water of life" is a rich **Metaphor**, symbolizing eternal life, spiritual sustenance, and the Holy Spirit. This imagery draws on ancient Near Eastern understanding of water as essential for survival, making the spiritual truth profoundly tangible. The phrase "whosoever will" functions as a statement of **Inclusivity**, highlighting the boundless and unconditional nature of God's grace, open to all who choose to respond.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 22:17 stands as a capstone to the biblical narrative, synthesizing the themes of divine grace, human responsibility, and the ultimate hope of salvation. It beautifully illustrates the Trinitarian nature of salvation: the Spirit's active work in drawing people, the Church's (the bride) participation in extending the invitation, and the Father's provision of the "water of life" through Christ. This final appeal underscores God's persistent desire for humanity's redemption, even at the very threshold of eternity. It is a testament to the enduring love and mercy of God, who continues to call all people to Himself, offering the most precious gift—eternal life—without any prerequisites other than a willing heart and spiritual thirst. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that the door to salvation remains open until the very end.

* [Isaiah 55:1](/isaiah/55-1 "Isaiah 55:1 - An Invitation to the Thirsty")
* [John 7:37-38](/john/7-37-38 "John 7:37-38 - Jesus' Invitation to Drink")
* [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Labor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 22:17 is not merely a historical record but a living invitation that resonates with profound relevance for believers today. It calls us to a dual posture: one of eager anticipation for Christ's return, and another of urgent evangelistic zeal. As the "bride," the Church is empowered by the Spirit to echo the "Come" to a world that is deeply thirsty, often unknowingly, for the living water that only Christ can provide. This verse compels us to examine our own spiritual thirst—are we truly hungering and thirsting for righteousness and for God's presence, or are we seeking fleeting satisfaction in the broken cisterns of the world? It also serves as a powerful assurance for those who respond, reminding us that salvation is a gratuitous gift, freely given, requiring only a willing heart to receive. Our mission, therefore, is to be faithful conduits of this divine invitation, extending grace and hope to all "whosoever will," knowing that the ultimate satisfaction for every human soul is found in the "water of life" that flows from God Himself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do you experience spiritual thirst in your daily life, and how do you seek to quench it?**
* **How can you, as part of the "bride" (the Church), more effectively echo the invitation to "Come" to those around you who are spiritually thirsty?**
* **What does the phrase "take the water of life freely" mean for your understanding of God's grace and your assurance of salvation?**
* **How does the urgency of this final invitation in Revelation impact your sense of purpose and mission as a believer?**

### FAQ

**What is the "water of life" mentioned in Revelation 22:17?**

Answer: The "water of life" is a profound biblical metaphor that primarily signifies eternal life, spiritual sustenance, and the Holy Spirit Himself, freely offered by God. This imagery draws on the life-giving properties of water, especially in arid regions, to represent the spiritual vitality and unending satisfaction that comes from a relationship with God through Christ. It is a recurring theme in Scripture, notably seen in [Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman](/john/4-10-14 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus Offers Living Water") where He speaks of "living water" that quenches spiritual thirst, and in [Revelation 21:6](/revelation/21-6 "Revelation 21:6 - The Water of Life Freely Given"), where God declares, "I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely."

**Who are "the Spirit and the bride" that say, "Come"?**

Answer: "The Spirit" refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who works to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and draws individuals to Christ (cf. [John 16:8](/john/16-8 "John 16:8 - The Spirit Convicts the World")). "The bride" refers to the Church, the collective body of believers who are united with Christ, their "Bridegroom" (cf. [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loves the Church as His Bride")). Their joint cry of "Come" is twofold: it is both an earnest prayer for Christ's swift return ("Maranatha," meaning "Our Lord, come!") and a fervent evangelistic invitation to all humanity to come to Christ for salvation. This highlights the Spirit's empowering presence within the Church, enabling it to fulfill its mission of witness and invitation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 22:17 serves as a climactic Christ-centered invitation, drawing together the entire biblical narrative into a singular, urgent appeal. The "water of life" is ultimately found in Christ Himself, who declared, "[If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink](/john/7-37 "John 7:37 - Jesus' Invitation to the Thirsty")" and "[I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")". He is the source of eternal life, the one who satisfies the deepest longings of the human soul. The invitation to "come" is an invitation to come to Him, the Lamb of God who was slain to take away the sin of the world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His atoning sacrifice on the cross made it possible for humanity to receive this "water of life freely," as salvation is a gift of God's grace, not earned by works (cf. [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). Thus, this final biblical invitation is a direct summons to embrace the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, who alone offers true and eternal satisfaction (cf. [Revelation 22:13](/revelation/22-13 "Revelation 22:13 - Jesus, the Alpha and Omega")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 4:14

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

Isaiah 55:1

¶ Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Isaiah 55:3

Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [even] the sure mercies of David.

Revelation 21:6

And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

John 7:37

¶ In the last day, that great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

Isaiah 12:3

Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

John 4:10

Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.